Arlington wrote "but you can see how states might figure out "rationally related" criteria, such as literacy tests, sanity examinations, English language proficiency, etc. that might stand a chance with this Court."

Except that not everyone in America is allowed to vote: non citizens, 16 year olds, convicted felons currently serving their punishment, those determined by the court to be non-competent to handle their own affairs (ward of the state or a non state custodian) and those that have not registered to vote. Requiring a picture ID to prove that you are the person you claim to be is directly related to your voting right. The bugaboos that you scare us with are not directly related to that right.

When I started voting we always showed a picture ID to prove we where the person on the poll list. If this had continued then the case of the candidate for the house in my district who’s supporters registered as many illegals as they could knowing they would vote for her, they admitted this, would have been totally ineffective. They wouldn't have had a proper ID to vote with. In my case the burden seems minimal. In Cal. a copy of your birth certificate costs about $10 and the ID is free. By the way you need that same BC to get a copy of your SS card. Hardly a burden to have to spend $10 once during your life to be able to vote and hardly a tax as it is something that most already have and those who don't will eventually need it for a non-voting purpose.